Car rental in Split

Split serves as a convenient starting point for Dalmatian automotive adventures. A car provides access to places where public transport runs infrequently or not at all. Car rental in Split is the ideal way to make your Adriatic Sea vacation vibrant and memorable.

By car, you can reach inaccessible beaches, Krka and Plitvice Lakes National Parks, and remote mountain villages in the Mosor range. All this with comfort, your own schedule, and stops at beautiful locations.

Localrent — Best Choice for Car Rental

The Localrent service enables advance selection of suitable rental vehicles in Split from local rental company offerings.

Localrent Booking Advantages:

1. Modern fleet — Vehicles under 5 years old, average fleet age 2-3 years
2. Wide selection — From compact models to SUVs and minivans
3. Credit card-free rental options
4. Transparent pricing and simple payment system — Costs without hidden fees visible immediately; booking requires 15-20% online prepayment, remainder upon vehicle pickup
5. Convenient search filters — Transmission type, insurance, brand, power, additional options

Don't waste time searching for suitable cars, comparing conditions and prices—simply book on Localrent.

Split Car Rental Requirements

Rental contract requires:

• Valid international passport — Must cover entire rental period
• Valid driver's license
• Localrent booking confirmation — Electronic or printed

Driver Requirements:

• Minimum age 18, but most vehicles available to drivers 21-23+
• 1+ year driving experience, often requiring 2-3 years experience

Conditions depend on selected vehicle. Each car's details specify age and experience requirements. Localrent filters immediately show available options for your parameters.

What is the right way to pick up and drop off the rental car?

Picking up and dropping off your car is easy, even if you have never done so. Just follow the instructions.

Picking up:

1. Make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time.
2. Inspect the car carefully and note all damages in the inspection card.
3. Take pictures of the car from all sides.
4. Read and sign the rental agreement.
5. Pay the rest of the order price and make a deposit, if required. 

It usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Dropping off:

1. You arrive at the agreed place at the agreed time. 
2. The car is clean. The amount of fuel in the tank is the amount specified in the agreement. 
3. A representative from the rental company inspects the car and signs your copy of the car drop-off report. If the deposit has been blocked on your card, be sure to keep all documents until the money is returned.
   

It normally takes about 10 minutes to drop off the car.

Traffic Navigation in Split: Essential Urban Insights

Understanding Split's unique traffic dynamics is crucial for stress-free city navigation, especially for first-time drivers in this historic coastal city.

Peak Traffic Patterns and Problem Areas

Critical congestion periods in Split:

• Morning rush: 7:00 am to 8:30 am (especially severe around commercial districts and ferry terminals)
• Evening peak: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (concentrated near Old Town and residential areas)
• Summer tourist surge: 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (peak sightseeing and beach access times)

Key recommendations for optimal navigation:

• Avoid Old Town approaches during morning rush when tour buses arrive
• Plan coastal route travel during early morning hours (before 8:00 am) or late afternoon (after 6:00 pm)
• Use alternative inland routes during weekend beach traffic
• Allow extra 20-30 minutes for any city center journey during July-August peak season

Critical Navigation Challenges

One-way system complexity: Central Split features a network of one-way roads around the Old Town, where only public transport, taxis, and residents with permits are allowed.

Restricted zones: For example, Zagrebačka Street section between Marina Držića and Vukovarska prohibits regular traffic—only buses, taxis, and local residents permitted. Such areas always have signs, but they may be obscured by trees.

Essential awareness points:

• Roundabout drivers rarely use turn signals
• Pedestrians often cross illegally, especially on Riva waterfront
• Many residential roads are so narrow only 2 compact cars can pass—priority goes to vehicles first entering such sections
• Courtyards feature blind corners; locals use horn signals to warn other drivers

Navigation strategy: Carefully monitor signs, especially in Old Town zones. When uncertain about routes, choose bypass roads or parking outside the center.

Seasonal Access Restrictions

Summer limitations: June 15 - September 15, tourist access to Split center is restricted. Watch for limited traffic zone signs and park at Old Town boundary lots.

Parking Navigation in Split

Central Split offers few free spaces. Đardin Park and Zagrebačka Street areas are strictly controlled—only special transport and permitted vehicles allowed. These areas frequently experience towing operations.

City Parking Zone System:

• Red Zone (Zone 1) — Center, Riva area, maximum 2-hour parking
• Blue Zone (Zone 2) — Central area surroundings
• Green Zone (Zone 3) — Residential quarters, some resident-only spaces

Recommended Long-Term Parking:

• Covered parking facilities
• Remote free zones near Poljud Stadium
• Shopping centers

Payment methods: Parking meters or SMS (Croatian numbers only), plus Split Parking app.

High season reality: Central and beach-area parking fills by 8:00 am; evening free parking may be 2-3km from Old Town.

Gas Stations in Split

The city features numerous gas stations, including major chains INA, Petrol, and Tifon. Most large stations operate 24/7; some close at 9:00-10:00 pm.

Refueling Process:

1. Self-service system — Choose pump and refuel yourself
2. Visit cashier — Provide pump number after refueling
3. Request assistance if needed—staff available for help

Stations typically include stores with basic products and automotive supplies, plus restrooms.

Toll roads

Most motorways in Croatia are toll roads. They are easy to use: you collect a ticket at the entrance and pay at the exit. Cash and cards are accepted. 

Split Car Booking Instructions

Summer brings high Split rental demand, especially for automatic transmission vehicles (fewer available options). Book cars minimum 2-3 weeks before travel:

1. Configure search — Specify rental dates, select transmission type, car class, and other important criteria in filters
   
2. Review vehicle details — Check insurance type, mileage limits, and other specifics. Add necessary additional options to orders
   
3. Complete booking — Choose pickup/return locations, specify flight numbers for airport collection. Enter contact details and driver information
   
4. Pay advance — 15-20% of cost. Receive email booking confirmation
   

Vehicle inspection — Thoroughly examine car before contract signing. Check fuel level, document all damage, ensure inclusion in acceptance report. Confirm emergency contacts

Essential Split Area Destinations

Split car rental opens access to scenic locations throughout Croatia's most beautiful region—Dalmatia:

Top Regional Destinations:

1. Trogir — UNESCO-listed historic island city. Admire narrow streets, stone houses, and St. Lawrence Cathedral. Most convenient parking at paid lot near city entrance. Compact cars work well—smooth roads but tight Trogir streets.
2. Krka National Park — Famous for waterfalls, especially popular Skradinski Buk. Swimming in permitted zones provides summer relief. Route follows D1 highway, then local roads with good surfaces. Choose vehicles with good air conditioning—park summers are very hot.
3. Omiš — Located at Cetina River mouth, surrounded by cliffs. Ideal for active recreation: rafting, zipline, beaches. Split route follows coastal D8 highway with sharp turns. Recommend powerful engine vehicles for comfortable mountain section climbs.
4. Šibenik — City featuring St. Michael's fortress and unique stone cathedral. En route, visit St. Nicholas fortress. Quality but narrow roads in some areas. Most convenient parking at Dalmatia shopping center.
5. Makarska — Resort town at Biokovo mountain base with extended waterfront. Stop at scenic Brela and Baška Voda villages en route. D8 highway runs along sea with numerous turns—drive carefully and observe speed limits.

Additional recommendations: Visit Solin city, see Klis fortress, and drive through Kaštela—chain of 7 ancient settlements with 15th-18th century palaces.

Vehicle selection guidance: Choose powerful cars for mountain roads; compact models work for flat routes.

Vehicle Pickup Locations

Choose most convenient pickup locations during car booking:

• Main Pickup Points:
• Split Airport
• Rental company offices
• Address delivery
• Port

Available pickup locations vary by specific vehicle. Some cars offer multiple location choices; others may be airport-only. Available pickup locations listed in vehicle details.

Expert Split Car Rental Tips

For positive Split vacation experiences, follow these recommendations:

1. Vehicle Selection Strategy
2. Urban navigation: Historic center narrow streets and tight parking make compact cars optimal choices. However, for frequent countryside travel, choose mid-class vehicles or crossovers.
3. Insurance considerations: Take full insurance coverage. Local drivers often park very close together, while narrow roads may cause minor damage. Extended insurance eliminates scratch payment problems—often included in Localrent prices.
4. Traffic awareness: Maintain patient driving approach and stay alert for sudden lane changes, especially near Old Town and during peak tourist hours.

Following these tips enables comfortable Split and surrounding area travel. Always verify current rules, which may change during tourist season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Split Car Rental